Diversity in Thoughts. Kindness in Leadership.
Reflections from two extraordinary evenings celebrating change-makers in Southeast Asia
I had the privilege of attending two extraordinary events last month - the British High Commission reception 🇬🇧 and the Women of the Future Programme Southeast Asia gala dinner 🌏. Both evenings reminded me that diversity and kindness are not just ideals; they are imperatives for the future we're building together. ✨
Kindness Is a Strategic Advantage
At the British High Commission, we celebrated the 2024 Kindness and Leadership Listees and the Women of the Future Awards nominees. His Excellency, the British High Commissioner to Singapore, Nikesh Mehta OBE, hosted us at the iconic Eden Hall, where thought-provoking speeches by Nikesh, Vicki Treadell CMG MVO (British High Commissioner to Australia and formerly to Malaysia), and Pinky Lilani CBE DL (Founder of Women of the Future) highlighted the significance of kindness and diverse leadership.
One insight landed hard: People often think kindness is a feel-good gesture - it's a strategic advantage. It's one of the toughest things to do: to tell someone to do better in a nice way. This powerful dimension of leadership requires strength and a commitment to uplift others.
Kindness fosters an environment of trust and unity, especially in challenging times, helping teams navigate an increasingly complex world. It's not soft. It's essential.
The Next Generation Is Already Leading
The awards gala dinner celebrated change-makers paving the way for a brighter tomorrow, with initiatives spanning human-rights lawyering, low-cost sustainable air purifiers, advanced life-saving medical equipment, arts for good, sports for her, and so much more.
Hearing their stories - brimming with resilience, creativity, and hope - moved me to tears a few times. 🙏
The next generation of leaders is proving age is no barrier to impactful contribution. Some amazing women, 18 years old, 22 years old, are leading transformative initiatives that inspire all audiences. Their work is a reminder that innovation and impact don't wait for permission or seniority.
Lifting Each Other Up
A theme woven through both evenings: collaboration and community empowerment are essential to sustainable progress. By lifting each other up, we can achieve greater results and build a future that benefits all.
This isn't abstract. It's the work being done right now by leaders across Southeast Asia - in tech, in policy, in the arts, in healthcare, in education. It's the spirit that filled both rooms.
Gratitude and Forward Momentum
To all the change-makers I met - Imraan Lilani, Shea Pin Soo, Inch Chua, Chloe Sng, Sarinah Ziziumiza, Andrew Millar, Man Jing Kong 江曼菁, Vicheika Kann, Sreymom Hok, Rupen Desai, Carmina Bayombong, Kirthika Senthil Kumar, Barbara Dossetter, Daniel Boey, Edwina Chin, Vinich Virak, Madiha Fuad, Thany Ry, Sherrie Xiaoyu Huang, Tina Redshaw, Urvi Guglani, Zar Li Aye, Jacqueline Chie Sze Huan, and many more - thank you for making these moments unforgettable.
These evenings reminded me why I do the work I do. Building human-first AI, championing diverse voices, and staying rooted in kindness - these aren't separate missions. They're one and the same.
More soon. 🙏
#AlwaysDay1 #WomenInTech #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Kindness #SoutheastAsia
Resources
The views and opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer or any organisation I am affiliated with.